This article is written by Suhana, Class of 2025, winner of the Woodstocker’s controversial writing competition

At Woodstock, we tend to view moss as a menace, scrubbing it off with pungent chemicals in a fruitless attempt to stop it from consuming the school. Some find it an eyesore, while others just try not to slip. However, the role moss plays in our ecosystem is far from insignificant; recognizing and preserving the contributions of these ancient plants is crucial for gaining a deeper appreciation of our immediate Mussoorie environment and for its preservation. So what does moss do exactly?

Essentially, mosses are carbon sinks rivalling the oceans.

In a setting prone to landslides, moss stabilises the soil and reduces the impacts of deforestation. It regulates water and shelters pesky but invaluable invertebrates. Most importantly, pound for pound, moss can cycle more carbon dioxide than a mature tree. It behaves like a natural filter, purifying the air of harmful pollutants. Certain species can even absorb heavy metals and can decontaminate water bodies. Essentially, they are carbon sinks rivalling the oceans. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that moss sequesters 6.43 billion metric tons more carbon in soil than bare soil or soil covered with other vegetation, roughly equal to six times the emissions produced by changes in land use annually. Scientists also use moss as a marker to track environmental changes, monitor air quality and as a general standard for a healthy ecosystem.

Thus, being aware of this humble plant fosters a unique connection with nature, providing a lens into fields of botany and ecology, emphasising the importance of conservation. So maybe next time you’re racing up to class, take a second and thank the slimy stone walls for their service.

Written by Suhana, Class of 2025

Winner of Woodstocker Controversial Writing Competition

Photo: Medha, Class of 2026